St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in North Shields has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 18 and 19, 2024. The school provides a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and happy. The headteacher, Claire Bryant, leads the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Anita Bath and a board of trustees chaired by David Harrison. The school has a new head of school, Ciara Yeoman, who was appointed in April 2024.
Pupils at St Joseph's demonstrate a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to learn. They embody the school's values, including resilience and empathy, and exhibit polite and courteous behavior towards one another. The school fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity, where pupils understand the importance of equality and do not discriminate against others. The positive atmosphere is complemented by strong pastoral support, which helps pupils navigate any challenges they may face.
The quality of education at St Joseph's is good, with pupils achieving well relative to their starting points. The school emphasizes early years education, focusing on communication, language, and listening skills, which prepares children effectively for phonics instruction in Reception. Phonics teaching is consistent across the school, with well-trained staff using assessments to track progress and provide targeted support to those in need. However, the starting points for many pupils in phonics are generally low, which affects the published outcomes.
The curriculum is well-planned and sequenced in most subjects, allowing pupils to recall prior learning effectively. For instance, Year 2 pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of time and can connect it to previous work on angles. However, some subjects lack clear planning and sequencing, which hinders pupils' learning in those areas. Leaders are aware of this and are working to improve the curriculum across all subjects.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). While younger pupils receive tailored support, some older pupils do not have their needs identified with sufficient precision, leading to less effective progress. The school is actively addressing this issue to ensure that all pupils receive the support they require.
Behaviour in the school is positive, with staff effectively supporting pupils in managing their emotions. Lessons proceed without disruption, and there has been a notable improvement in attendance, with a significant reduction in the number of persistently absent pupils. The school promotes pupils' wider development through a well-planned curriculum that encourages them to become responsible members of the community. Pupils engage in various leadership opportunities and participate in educational visits that enhance their learning experiences.
Leaders at St Joseph's are proactive in identifying areas for improvement and take effective action to address them. The support from governors and trustees is evident, and staff feel well-supported in their roles. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized.
Overall, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a good school that provides a positive learning environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum planning and support for older pupils with SEND, the school is committed to continuous development and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential.
